TOKYO — Lawmakers from the Liberal Democratic Party vying to succeed Fumio Kishida as Japan's next party leader and prime minister support the broad outlines of his China policy, despite disagreements over details such as deterrence strategies and dialogue channels.
At a summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping last year, Kishida confirmed plans to promote “mutually beneficial relations based on shared strategic interests”. The administration is also focused on boosting Japan's defense capabilities and strengthening ties with the United States and Europe, which the candidates have pledged to continue.